Q: I have a bet with a friend about Barbie's last name. Can you help me out here?

A: According to Mattel, she was never given a last name. But, according to Barbie doll collectors, her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. This came about when Mattel, the makers of Barbie, gave their blessings to a series of books in the 1960s about Barbie and her friends.

According to these books written in the 60s, Barbie's parents names were George and Margaret Roberts. Ken's name was Ken Carson and Midge's name was Midge Hadley.

According to the Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls, Barbie was named after Elliot and Ruth Handler's daughter just as Ken was named after their son. The Handlers were in charge of marketing and design at Mattel in the 50s when Barbie was "born".